Class AAAA Title Contender: Mounds View

<p>Mounds View went 16-4 a season ago and their top two players return which makes them a contender.  To be a consistent contender they will need role players to step.  Who could those players be?  We explore that today.</p> <p><strong>Key Wins in 20-21 (16-4)</strong><strong>:  </strong> Cretin-Derham Hall, White Bear Lake, Woodbury, Park of Cottage Grove, East Ridge</p> <p><strong>Oops</strong>: Cretin-Derham Hall, Woodbury, East Ridge, Park Center </p> <p><strong>Moving On: </strong> The Mustangs had five guys from their rotation graduate including two of their four main pieces.  Those two main pieces were one of the top scorers in [player_tooltip player_id="774870" first="Evan" last="Kim"] as well as point guard [player_tooltip player_id="774923" first="Cole" last="Sorensen"].  In addition, solid reserves [player_tooltip player_id="1071206" first="Joey" last="Bruggers"], Ethan Farm, and Lucas Sopcinski graduated as well.  </p> <p><strong>Returning Starters (3):   </strong>The reason that we have such high expectations for Mounds View this year is because of the caliber of player they return.  [player_tooltip player_id="1143865" first="Kobe" last="Kirk"] is an explosive shooter/scorer with range that led the team in scoring a year ago.  He is coming off a fantastic summer with Minnesota Heat and Kobe looks to be on the verge of a brilliant senior season. </p> <p>Speaking of potential outstanding senior season, [player_tooltip player_id="850723" first="Dylan" last="Wheeler"] is one of the most trusted players in the state.  Need a guy to hit a big shot?  Dylan is there.  Need a guy to handle the ball in a pinch?  Dylan is there.  Need a guy to lock a player down in a pinch?  [player_tooltip player_id="850723" first="Dylan" last="Wheeler"] is there. Not to mention that Wheeler is also one of the most trusted, smarter players in the senior class.  The lesser known but very important returning starter is senior Ryan Edelman. Edelman is a 6’5/6’6 frontcourt player that scored when needed, defended well last year, and rebounded well.  His size and agility up front is crucial to the season. </p> <p><strong>Reserves Playing a Bigger Role:  </strong>Six-foot-2 senior wing Duncan Loegering is the next name in line.  He had a few moments last season later in the season and could be a very important player this year. </p> <p><strong>Potentials from the JV: </strong>Senior guards/wings Joseph Hong and Ben Erickson played junior varsity this year but will be looking for a bigger role this winter. </p> <p>The Mustangs will need a ball handler and if it’s not one of those seniors they could look to juniors [player_tooltip player_id="1220407" first="Colby" last="Deluce"] and Alex Espersen.  Deluce had an excellent off-season and the type of shooter that could make a big impact.  Both are six foot juniors and another name in the junior class is [player_tooltip player_id="1220408" first="Jacob" last="Becher"].  The up and coming name is [player_tooltip player_id="1284160" first="Joey" last="Fretheim"]. Joey is a 6’3 sophomore backcourt player who is a multi-sport standout.  Joey could step into a much bigger role after playing JV last year as a freshman.  </p> <p><strong>Final Thoughts</strong>:  There are some holes to plug and this isn’t a very big team but Mounds View has what it takes to score.  Kirk and Wheeler are both guys that can completely take over a game while hopes are high that Edelman, DeLuce, Loegering, and Fretheim can all take a big step forward and play their roles and lift this team to a higher level. Add in the experienced guards and the Mustangs could have what it takes to make the run they have been hoping for in a very difficult section.  </p>